Course Rationale

An exciting wave of discovery in biotechnology is revolutionizing agriculture worldwide. Globally, countries are trying to increase the productivity and profitability of the agricultural sector of their economies, to feed growing populations and increase the quality of life for millions of people. Those goals must be achieved through practices that sustain those gains while protecting the environment and human health, and conserving biodiversity and other natural resources.

Agriculture throughout the world is in the early stages of a new biological revolution. Research has led to rapid advances in biotechnology and to a greater understanding of biological processes. This course is designed to help participants better understand the complex issues surrounding the use and management of biotechnology globally.

Course Description
Michigan State University (MSU) is recognized as a center of excellence in international agricultural development and training. MSU has emerged as a leader among U.S. Land Grant institutions in building capacity in biotechnology research and management around the globe to enhance food and nutritional security, environmental quality, and economic development. MSU will partner with state and federal agencies and private sector institutions and offer a two-week short course in agricultural biotechnology. This short course will encompass biotechnology research, policies, management, networking, and public outreach components. In addition, biotechnology-related trade issues will be covered in the course.

The short course is offered annually. The course will draw from firmly established working relationships with government agencies, industry leaders, US universities, MSU faculty specialists, MSU research stations, farmer groups, commodity associations, consumer groups, NGOs, and international development organizations that are supportive of biotechnology research and development globally.

This uniquely diverse course take an interactive and participatory approach, and use a broad mix of applied classroom instruction, case studies, panel/group discussions, and laboratory, greenhouse, and field visits.

Course instructors are drawn from representative sectors of the agricultural and environmental biotechnology community, including research scientists from various MSU departments, other universities, private companies, regulatory officials from state and federal agencies, specialists in information resources, and individuals experienced in biotechnology implementation from international perspective.

Our training team has strong expertise and practical experience in all aspects of   biotechnology and biotechnology.  Members of our training team have participated and conducted a number of training programs in both local and international settings.

Application deadline: August 15, 2010

Registration Fee: $250 (Non-refundable after August 31, 2010)

Course Fee: $6,000 (Course fee includes instruction fee, course materials, air travel within the U.S., local ground travel, meals & lodging at three locations in the U.S. including Washington, D.C., East Lansing, MI & research institutions in another state).

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MSU is an affirmative-action, equal opportunity institution.